Omega-3 and Children’s Growth, The goal of every parent is to raise a healthy and happy child. The first steps to achieve this goal should be taken during pregnancy, when proper nutrition and the supply of the necessary substances are critical for the future development of the child.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in the development of the human embryo. They cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be obtained through the diet.
Studies to date, whether observational or controlled, suggest that omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may lead to higher birth weight. So far, the exact mechanisms and extent of the impact of fish oil have not been clear, but a large study from 2018 is trying to provide more clarity.
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What is being studied ?
In Denmark, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was randomized to compare the effect of purified fish oil and placebo (olive oil) on fetal and postnatal development. Fatty acids are taken from 24 weeks of gestation and one week after birth. Subjects received a mixture of 1.3 g EPA and 0.9 g DHA, equivalent to 7 dragees of standardized fish oil (180 mg / 120 mg).
The main purpose of the study is to determine the effect of fish oil on the manifestation of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Secondary goals, which examine the results on the child’s growth and body composition, are extremely important. The study involved 523 mothers and their children. From birth to age 6, children underwent 11 BMI (body mass index) measurements and anthropometric data such as body composition, height, weight, and bone density. Body composition was measured by DEXA (Two-Energy X-ray Absorbometry) at 3, 5, and 6 years of age.
What is established?
Regarding the main goal of the study, it was found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of asthma by 31%. The main focus for us remains the changes in the anthropometric data, which belong to the secondary goals.
The results at birth are:
- The weight of newborns in the omega-3 group was on average 236 g higher than in the placebo group;
- The mineral content in the bones of newborns is on average 11 g more;
- Significantly better BMI index after the first week of birth for the omega-3 group;
The results of the subsequent tests are:
- Better BMI index in children from the omega-3 group;
- Better weight to height ratio;
- Higher weight. In terms of height, the average weight of the omega-3 group is 395.4 g more;
- Higher mineral density and weight. On average 10.3 g more;
- Lower risk of obesity in the omega-3 group according to IOTF methods;
The results are similar regardless of the child’s gender.
How to interpret the findings?
The main conclusion of the study is that the intake of fish oil by the mother in the last trimester of pregnancy promotes the growth of the child in the first 6 years of life.
Supplementation leads to a higher BMI without an increased risk of obesity. The study provides evidence that omega-3s promote growth in the fetus itself. It can be said that the study was well conducted and the analysis of all factors was performed qualitatively (Comment of Examine). No relationship was found between the results in terms of gender, gestational age and weight, or serum concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in mothers before the start of the study. The study itself is one of the largest on the subject. The correctness of the participants is also high, as 88% of the children pass the last tests at the age of 6. Of course, each such study has its weaknesses.
First, the main goal of the study was to establish the link between omega-3 intake and asthma. The analysis so far covers the secondary results. It is possible for a more in-depth study to reach different conclusions if it focuses on secondary results as the main ones. Secondly, a great opportunity to observe the subsequent development of children until a later age is missed. Additional observations, such as the manifestation of metabolic diseases, have been omitted.
Third, subjects are characterized by homogeneity. Almost all participants are Europeans from the Scandinavian countries. It is not clear to what extent these results can be applied to other types of genes and even races. Most subjects have the FADS genotype, which responds more positively to omega-3 fatty acids.
Comparison with other studies
The study in question does not confirm the results of other similar studies, which do not find much effect of fish oil on the weight and development of children. There can be many reasons for this. One of them has already been mentioned and this is the specific race group that is being studied, as well as the peculiarities of the FADS genotype.
A second reason may be the dose used. In the present study, 2.1 g of omega-3 fatty acids were taken, while in previous studies the doses varied between 0.8 g and 1.5 g per day. A higher dose may be more effective. In a broader context, a number of other studies have found the benefits of omega-3 intake for children’s health.
Women who take omega-3s during pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of premature birth. Fish oil intake reduces mortality in newborns and births with overweight. Omega-3 intake is thought to reduce the risk of developing brittle bones at a later age. This confirms the relationship between omega-3 and higher mineral density in the present study.
We cannot say that fish oil is a panacea that will prevent all children’s problems. However, what has been found so far is a sign of the essential role of omega-3 fatty acids and how many problems can be caused in severe deficiency.
This is a good reason for every expectant mother to take omega-3 during pregnancy, and children to take their pills while growing up. It is no coincidence that fish oil is one of the four main nutritional supplements that the Stayfitlonger-Team team recommends to everyone, regardless of gender and age.
Sources used for Omega-3 and Children’s :
- Effect of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on bone, lean, and fat mass at six years: randomised clinical trial. Vinding RK1,2, Stokholm J1, Sevelsted A1, Sejersen T1,2, Chawes BL1, Bønnelykke K1, Thorsen J1, Howe LD3, Krakauer M4, Bisgaard H5.
- https://www.cochrane.org/CD003402/PREG_omega-3-fatty-acid-addition-during-pregnancy
- http://copsac.com/
- Fish Oil-Derived Fatty Acids in Pregnancy and Wheeze and Asthma in Offspring. Bisgaard H1, Stokholm J1, Chawes BL1, Vissing NH1, Bjarnadóttir E1, Schoos AM1, Wolsk HM1, Pedersen TM1, Vinding RK1, Thorsteinsdóttir S1, Følsgaard NV1, Fink NR1, Thorsen J1, Pedersen AG1, Waage J1, Rasmussen MA1, Stark KD1, Olsen SF1, Bønnelykke K1.
- Examine.com, Issue 5, vol. 2/12/2018
- DHA supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce BMI or body fat mass in children: follow-up of the DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome randomized controlled trial. Muhlhausler BS1, Yelland LN2, McDermott R3, Tapsell L4, McPhee A5, Gibson RA6, Makrides M7
- Maternal fish oil supplementation during lactation is associated with reduced height at 13 years of age and higher blood pressure in boys only. Lauritzen L1, Eriksen SE1, Hjorth MF1, Nielsen MS1, Olsen SF2, Stark KD3, Michaelsen KF1, Damsgaard CT1.
- Peak bone mass. Bonjour JP1, Theintz G, Law F, Slosman D, Rizzoli R.
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